iPad Air now available for sale

Apple’s mobile product drought finally ended last month when the consumer electronics giant launched its new iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c handsets, and to say there was pent-up demand is an understatement. The new iPhone models crushed Apple’s earlier opening-weekend sales records and while the company never shares the exact split between different models in a product line, it’s likely safe to assume that the iPhone 5s is the fastest-selling smartphone in the history of the category. Well, when it rains it pours. Just over a month following the iPhone launch, Apple is back again with the brand new, completely redesigned iPad Air.

The all new full-size iPad is thinner and lighter than any of its predecessors by a substantial margin. In fact according to Apple, the iPad Air 28% lighter than the fourth-generation iPad model — and at 7.5 millimeters thick, it’s also 20% thinner. Despite the slate’s smaller footprint, it still packs in the same 9.7-inch Retina display as well as a bigger battery that lasts an estimated 10 hours per charge.

Apple says the new A7 processor in the iPad Air provides up to 2 times better CPU performance and up to 2 times better graphics performance than the A6X-powered fourth-generation iPad model. It’s the same 64-bit chipset that powers Apple’s iPhone 5s, and we have seen just how powerful it is compared to the competition. Does it deliver in the iPad Air as well? You’ll have to wait for our full review to find out.

As stated during Apple’s press conference last month, the iPad Air is available in stores beginning Friday at 8:00 a.m. local time. For those who don’t need to get their hands on the new tablet right away, it can also be purchased from Apple’s online store or from various Apple retail partners online.

Personal pickup is available for the new iPad Air as well, so you can order your new tablet online or with the Apple Store app and pick up the iPad Air on Friday without having to wait on any lines that may have formed.